Black Lion Audio has released the Auteur Mic Preamp, a new 2 channel microphone preamp. What makes this preamp so special ? In their own words :

"For one, it's a design that's somewhat unique in its approach. Being admirers of the fully balanced transformer-less circuits found in many of the great recording consoles, we chose to use a similar topology. We began with a high speed input stage that would pick up lots of detail and nuance, and then followed it with a high current output stage. Circuit headroom is plentiful, and the input stage is very difficult to clip. Because of its fully balanced design, it can handle input signals as large as +15dB with ease.

We also like classic transformer-based designs because of the characteristic they lend to the audio signal. Because of this, ...

SM Pro Audio announces the V-Machine, a compact VST/VSTi hardware playback module built for performance keyboard players and DJ's. It is one little beast that cannot be underestimated once loaded up with your favorite VST instrument and effect plug-ins.

Take your plug-ins on the road or into the studio and access them live without a computer. Multiple plug-ins can be pre-loaded into bank/preset memories for immediate access. Combine VST and VSTi plug-ins into chains, splits, and layers to create extremely rich and unique sounds. Full external MIDI controller support allows users access to available loaded plug-in parameter controls such as virtual dials, switches, and faders.

Features :

- External hardware host for Windows plugins (VST instruments and effects)
- Banks, presets (incl. chaining, layering, splitting) can be edited with the V-Machine or the host software
- Create synth layers and chain them with effects
- Connect nearly every MIDI-Controller to the V-Machine
- Multiple VSTi's can be combined
- MIDI learn functions included
- All effect and synth chains can be switched latency free
- USB-Ports for copy protection dongles
- Use software samplers and stream its content from any USB drive
- sensor to adjust the display's contrast automatically
- control configuration software compatible with Windows, Mac OS X and Linux (future support)

Pricing and availability TBA.

Here are some news from SampleModeling :

"Dear friends,

We are proud to present the result of our collaboration with Stefano Lucato. Stefano was the developer, along with Dr. Giorgio Tommasini, of the Stradivari Violin and the Gofriller Cello.

Stefano Lucato & Samplemodeling created the next groundbreaking virtual instrument : the Tenor Saxophone ! It's extremely expressive, enjoyable, and intuitively playable - simply a real sample-modelled instrument !"

The Tenor Saxophone will be available "in a few weeks", till then you can download the video demo on their website. It was composed, performed and recorded in realtime by Stefano Lucato, using just the Expression Pedal (dynamics), the Modwheel (vibrato intensity), the Pitchbend, and the Sustain Pedal.

Native Instruments just released Massive Expansion Vol. 2, a new Kore Soundpack based on the Massive engine. The library features 200 synthesizer sounds for use in Kore 2 and the free Kore Player as well as the individual Massive synthesizer, providing producers with a practical creative resource for a wide range of electronic music styles.

Massive Expansion Vol. 2 covers the whole sonic spectrum from leads and basses to pads and sequenced sounds. All sounds are equipped with eight morphing-capable Sound Variations per preset, with crucial sound parameters also conveniently assigned to the unified Kore user interface.

Massive Expansion Vol. 2 is available for download purchase in the NI Online Shop for a suggested retail price of $59 / €49.

Behringer has launched the "Design the Next DJ Mixer" survey. By taking a few minutes to tell them about the style of performance and what mixer features are most important, DJ's can have a major say in the next generation of products available at their local dealers.

"No one knows more about the right mixer for their style of music than the DJ", stated Scott Garside, Behringer Corporate Communications Manager. "Any company eager to listen to their users is going to learn not only what is right about their mixers, but also where they have missed the mark. Our greatest hope is that DJs who use any brand of mixer will see this as an opportunity to get a design really right. In any case, the DJ wins."

With the "Design the Next DJ Mixer" survey, the DJ really can win. A completed survey is also an entry to win one of five Behringer DDM4000 digital DJ mixers. Winners will be announced on January 1st, 2009. To participate, just follow the link below :